A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Ignacio vs. Ushuaia for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit San Ignacio or Ushuaia?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Ignacio or Ushuaia, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: San Ignacio or Ushuaia?

San Ignacio

So you want a tropical getaway, but also don't want to lay around with nothing to do. You want an adventure! You want relaxation and exploration.

You want to visit the small town of San Ignacio, Belize.

This section of the Cayo region is really more of a jungle than a typical Belize beach getaway. Located close the ancient Mayan ruins on the western and inland side of Belize, this town is most popular for its many outdoor adventures including hiking, climbing, and caving!

Ushuaia

Ushuaia is a city on the Tierra del Fuego island of Argentina on the Beagle Strait. The city is considered to be one of the southernmost cities in the world and is often used as a base for cruises to Antarctica. Ushuaia's close proximity to Antarctica and their amazing hiking trails have made it a popular tourist destination over the past few decades.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Belize, The Best G Adventures Tours to Belize, The Best Wildlife Tours to Argentina, and The Best Eco Tours in Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Ushuaia or San Ignacio?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in San Ignacio is $72, while the average daily cost in Ushuaia is $11. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for San Ignacio and Ushuaia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Ignacio $19
    Ushuaia $5.64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Ignacio $38
    Ushuaia $11
Compare Hotels in San Ignacio and Ushuaia

Looking for a hotel in San Ignacio or Ushuaia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in San Ignacio


Hotels in Ushuaia


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: San Ignacio Hotel Prices and Ushuaia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Ignacio $3.11
    Ushuaia -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Ignacio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Ignacio:

  • From Van Transfer To Flores Peten in Guatemala: $20
  • San Ignacio Hotel to Belize City Transfer: $20

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ushuaia

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ushuaia are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.03

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ushuaia

Also for Ushuaia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Airport and Hotel Transfer in Ushuaia: $139
  • Private Embarkation Debarkation Transfer: $129
  • Private Transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport (Ushuaia): $120
  • Private Transfer Airport-Port or Port-Airport (Ushuaia): $55
  • Private Transfer Hotel-Bus Station or Bus Station-Hotel (Ushuaia): $27
  • Private Transfer from Ushuaia Airport (USH) to Ushuaia Port : $25
  • Private Transfer from Ushuaia Airport(USH) to Ushuaia Cruise Port: $28
  • Private Transfer from Ushuaia Cruise Port to Ushuaia Airport(USH): $28
  • Private Transfer from Ushuaia Port to Ushuaia Airport (USH): $25
  • Shared Transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport (Ushuaia): $37
  • Transfer Cerro Castor (Round Trip): $25
  • Transfer Ushuaia Airport - Hotel in Ushuaia - Ushuaia Airport : $35

Is it cheaper to fly into San Ignacio or Ushuaia?

Prices for flights to both Ushuaia and San Ignacio change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    San Ignacio $21
    Ushuaia $2.18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Ignacio

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Ignacio.

  • Xunantunich & Food Tour with local chocolate experience: $150

Typical Food Prices in Ushuaia

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ushuaia:


  • Lunch for Two
    $0.06

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ushuaia

For Ushuaia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Martial Glacier at Night with Dinner Included: $94
  • Ushuaia at night: A Snow and Fire dinner, sledding and adventure: $280

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Ignacio $100
    Ushuaia $13

Tours and Activities in San Ignacio

Here are a few actual costs in San Ignacio for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • ATV Excursions in Cayo with Waterfalls Experience: $174
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic: $125
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour from San Ignacio : $125
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal with Local Tour guide & Belizean Lunch: $120
  • Belize Cave Tubing Adventure from San Ignacio: $90
  • Caracol Maya Ruins Tour Including Rio On Pools, Rio Frio Cave and a Picnic Lunch: $125
  • Cave Canoeing with Local Tour Guide: $80
  • Cave Tubing Adventure at Nohoch Che'en and Jaguar Paw : $115
  • Cave Tubing and Zip line Adventure from San Ignacio: $144
  • Cave Tubing with local tour Guide and Belizean Lunch: $90
  • Deluxe Cave Tubing combo Adventure: $125
  • Farm Ride plus Xunantunich tour: $90

Tours and Activities in Ushuaia

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ushuaia.

  • Panoramic City Train Tour: $10
  • Exploring Double Decker Bus Tour: $22
  • Double-Decker Sightseeing Tour: $24
  • Ushuaia City Tour: $26
  • Ushuaia City Half-Day Tour: $31
  • An Hour Tour in the City of Ushuaia: $32
  • City Tour of Ushuaia: $42
  • End of the World Train Ticket: $45
  • Beagle Channel & Sea Wolves Island Catamaran Cruise: $45
  • Half-Day Tierra del Fuego National Park (NOT CRUISE): $59
  • Escondido & Fagnano Lake Tour: $60
  • Tour to Tierra del Fuego National Park from Ushuaia: $62

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Ignacio $17
    Ushuaia -

Typical Alcohol Prices in Ushuaia

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ushuaia are as follows:


  • Wine
    $0.05
  • Beer
    $0.01


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Ignacio and Ushuaia, we can see that San Ignacio is more expensive. And not only is Ushuaia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since San Ignacio is in Central America and Ushuaia is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Ushuaia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ushuaia and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in San Ignacio would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Ignacio than you might in Ushuaia.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Ignacio Expensive? and Is Ushuaia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, San Ignacio or Ushuaia?

Ushuaia has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Ignacio. When comparing the sizes of San Ignacio and Ushuaia, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit San Ignacio or Ushuaia?

Ushuaia has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Ignacio experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit San Ignacio or Ushuaia in the Summer?

Both Ushuaia and San Ignacio during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Ignacio because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, San Ignacio is generally much warmer than Ushuaiain January. Daily temperatures in San Ignacio average around 28°C (82°F), and Ushuaia fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in San Ignacio. In the summer, San Ignacio often gets more sunshine than Ushuaiain January. San Ignacio gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ushuaia receives 169 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Ignacio. San Ignacio usually gets more rain in July than Ushuaiain January. San Ignacio gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    San Ignacio 28°C (82°F) 
    Ushuaia 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit San Ignacio or Ushuaia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Ignacio and Ushuaia. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Ignacio year-round.

San Ignacio is much warmer than Ushuaia in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Ignacio averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Ushuaia fluctuates around 6°C (43°F)in April.

San Ignacio usually receives more sunshine than Ushuaia during autumn. San Ignacio gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Ushuaia receives 74 hours of full sun in the autumn.

San Ignacio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, San Ignacio usually receives more rain than Ushuaiain April. San Ignacio gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    San Ignacio 26°C (80°F) 
    Ushuaia 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit San Ignacio or Ushuaia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to San Ignacio as well as Ushuaia. San Ignacio attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

It's quite cold in Ushuaia in the winter. In the winter, San Ignacio is much warmer than Ushuaia. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Ignacio in January average around 24°C (74°F), and Ushuaia averages at about 2°C (36°F)in July.

In the winter, San Ignacio often gets more sunshine than Ushuaiain July. San Ignacio gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ushuaia receives 61 hours of full sun.

San Ignacio receives a lot of rain in the winter. San Ignacio usually gets more rain in January than Ushuaiain July. San Ignacio gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    San Ignacio 24°C (74°F) 
    Ushuaia 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit San Ignacio or Ushuaia in the Spring?

Both Ushuaia and San Ignacio are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Ignacio throughout the year.

In April, San Ignacio is generally much warmer than Ushuaiain October. Daily temperatures in San Ignacio average around 27°C (80°F), and Ushuaia fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Ignacio. San Ignacio usually receives more sunshine than Ushuaia during spring. San Ignacio gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Ushuaia receives 156 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, San Ignacio usually receives more rain than Ushuaiain October. San Ignacio gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    San Ignacio 27°C (80°F) 
    Ushuaia 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Ushuaia and San Ignacio

San Ignacio Ushuaia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (74°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 26°C (78°F) 25 mm (1 in) 8°C (46°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 52 mm (2 in) 6°C (43°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in) 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 243 mm (9.6 in) 2°C (36°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 255 mm (10 in) 6°C (43°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 25°C (76°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)